Disabled US Veteran couldn't work without his service dog — so Texas Lowe's hired the dog as well

After three deployments and multiple knee surgeries, former Air Force Staff Sergeant Clay Luthy had to retire from the military. He also needed his service dog, Charlotte, by his side, not just at home, but at work. Finding an employer willing to hire them both proved difficult until he walked into a Lowe’s in Abilene, Texas, for a job interview. "We were interviewing people for his position, and he was one of the applicants. He showed up for the interview, and he had Charlotte with him," Lowe’s manager Jay Fellers said, as per WGTV.

Luthy wanted to be upfront about his needs, so he asked if bringing Charlotte would be an issue. "They said, 'Oh no, absolutely not. We’ve got service dogs that work all throughout Lowe’s,'" Luthy recalled. A few weeks later, he got the job, and Charlotte got her own Lowe’s vest. In a CBS interview, Luthy explained that Lowe’s schedules him in areas like paint for part of his shift, so Charlotte has a comfortable place to rest. "They make working part-time very easy. At least for a few hours, she can get a good break," he said.

Charlotte has been with him for ten years, providing comfort and stability in moments when symptoms might otherwise take over. "Instead of medications, I have Charlotte. She alerts before I even have a clue anything’s going on," Luthy explained. For many veterans, a service animal can be just as important as any medical treatment. Studies have shown that furry companions like Charlotte help in ways that go beyond companionship; their presence can boost levels of oxytocin (a hormone linked to trust), emotional balance, and resilience. A small study published in JAMA Network Open compared veterans who received service dogs through K9s For Warriors with those still on a waiting list. After three months, those with service dogs experienced considerably greater improvements in PTSD symptoms, including better sleep, reduced panic attacks and nightmares, and overall enhanced well-being.

Customers at Lowe’s inherently embraced the duo. "I love Abilene Lowe’s, way to go. This is a disabled vet who struggled to get a job because he needs his service dog! Lowe’s hired them BOTH!!" wrote shopper Judy Dechert Rose in a now-deleted post on Facebook, sharing a photo of them on the job. Charlotte’s calm, friendly nature and the way she works alongside Luthy have made them both local favorites. "Customers love Charlotte and Clay," Fellers said, "Clay’s been so friendly to allow Charlotte to sit and get some attention from regulars who come in." 

For Luthy, on the other hand, the position means far more than just a paycheck. "I can’t stand sitting at home. Having this routine, being around people, and having Charlotte here with me, it’s the best of both worlds," he said. He is also training a younger dog, Lola, who will eventually take over when Charlotte is ready to retire. Until then, the sight of Luthy and Charlotte walking the aisles together in their matching vests is a reminder that small acts of inclusion can make an enormous difference. "I’m blessed. Lowe’s gave me the opportunity to work and keep my best friend by my side. That means everything," Luthy said.